Mazda Demio (2014 onwards): SkyActiv petrol and diesel care

The Demio from 2014 comes with a 1.3 litre SkyActiv-G petrol or a 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D diesel, and usually a six-speed automatic (a conventional automatic, not a CVT). The diesel is very economical but needs the right kind of driving and oil.

SkyActiv-D diesel

• Use the oil Mazda specifies for this engine, a low-ash diesel oil suitable for a particulate filter (DPF). The wrong oil shortens the life of the DPF.
• Drive it on the open road regularly. The DPF cleans itself during longer drives at steady speed. Only short trips in traffic let soot build up, leading to warning lights and loss of power.
• If a DPF warning comes on, a 20–30 minute drive at steady highway speed often clears it. If it doesn't, see a garage soon.
• Check the oil level often. On diesels with a DPF, a rising oil level can mean diesel is diluting the oil; have it checked.
• Use clean diesel from busy stations and change the fuel filter at the manual's interval.

SkyActiv-G petrol

• Oil and filter every 5,000–10,000 km depending on your driving, with the grade in the manual (often 0W-20).
• Spark plugs and air filter at the manual's intervals.

The i-stop battery

Demios with i-stop (the engine switches off at lights) need a specific i-stop battery. A standard battery fails quickly and stops i-stop from working. Ask for the correct type when replacing it.